Illuminated canopy structure



April 6, 1968 G. RUSSELL 3,377,754

ILLUMINATED CANOPY STRUCTURE Filed Oct. 22, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

BY 6mm 65% A T TORNE Y5 United States Patent 3,377,754 ILLUMINATED CANQPY STRUCTURE Gardner Russell, Garden Hills, Puerto Rico, assignor to Rico Plastics, Inc., Bayancon, Puerto Rico, a corporation of Puerto Rico Filed Oct. 22, 1965, Ser. No. 501,233 Claims. (Cl. 52-16) ABSTRACT OF THE DISTILUSURE Illuminated canopy for gasoline service station pump islands. The canopy includes a first elongated box-like structure having a shallow V-shaped roof panel, side panels formed of a plastic material inclining downwardly and outwardly from the side edges of the roof panel, and end and side framing for the roof and side panels. Within the first box-like structure is a more pronounced V-shaped elongated panel which is secured to the roof and side panels along their lines of intersection. An elongated support channel runs lengthwise of the structure and has upstanding flanges which are secured to the roof panel. The outer surface of the more pronounced V-shaped panel is provided with a reflective finish to reflect light from fluorescent lamps mounted within the canopy.

This invention relates to a shelter construction and more particularly to improvements in the construction of shelters of the canopy type.

While not limited thereto, the principles of the present invention are especially well suited for the construction of illuminated canopies, used for example, for lighting and sheltering service station pump islands.

Shelters used for this purpose should provide for maximum protection of the sheltered .area from rain, sun and snow. The shelter structure should be strong and light weight, and must be constructed so that there is free access to the pumps and other equipment on the island. Adequate illumination of the area must be provided for. In addition, these canopies must be aesthetically pleasing and eyecatching in order to draw the attention of passers-by to the station owners products. Despite numerous attempts, presently available canopy structures have failed to satisfy the needs of the industry for a structure combining all of these features.

The primary object of the invention therefor, is the provision of a novel form of shelter construction which incorporates the foregoing features in a canopy uniquely suited to meet industry requirements.

A more specific object of the invention is the provision of an especially strong, and lightweight canopy structure which is highly resistant to sag or deflection.

Another important object of the invention is the provision of a canopy construction which permits substantially unrestricted use of the sheltered space.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a novel form of canopy whose strength and rigidity permits the use of large panels of lightweight, translucent plastic sheet material, thereby improving the illuminating capabilities of the canopy, as well as its appearance.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of a canopy structure which combines the features of economy, durability and ease of maintenance essential in structures of this type.

In brief, the present invention comprises a first boxlike structure which includes a shallow V-shaped roof, side panels extending downwardly from the roof and end braces and panels secured to the roof and to the side panels. A second box-like structure is mounted within the canopy and this includes downwardly converging side panels which extend from the lines of intersection of the canopy top and side panels. Means including angle-shaped channel members interconnect the first two box-like assemblies. A third box-like assembly is provided within the first two box-like assemblies and comprises an elongate-d channel member having upstanding legs or flanges and the converging portions of the V-shaped roof. The channel flanges are connected to the roof.

How the objects of the invention are achieved, will be fully apparent from the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment of the invention and from the drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a front elevational view of the assembled canopy as it could be used in an automobile service station installation;

FIGURE 2 is a sectional view taken along line 11 of FIGURE 1, on an enlarged scale, as compared to FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is an isometric view of one end of the canopy of FIGURES 1 and 2 with the end panel removed to illustrate certain important constructional details;

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary view showing certain details of the end framing construction; and

FIGURE 5 is a detail view of a channel piece used in the present invention.

Referring now to FIGURE 1, the canopy assembly 10 provides shelter for automobile servicing equipment including a plurality of gasoline pumps 11. The entire assembly is mounted on an upright support means cornprising a pair of relatively closely spaced posts 12.

As is shown in FIGURES 2 and 3, the assembly 10 comprises a first box-like structure which includes a shallow V-shaped roof panel 13. This box-like structure also includes side panels 14 (FIGURE 3) and end framing described hereinafter.

A second box-like structure is mounted within the first box-like structure. In the preferred form of the invention, this includes the roof panel 13, and the inwardly converging side panels 16.

In the illustrative embodiment, the panels 16 are made of a single aluminum sheet, although two sheets welded at the line of intersection could be employed. These panels may be polished or painted white on their outer surface to provide a reflective outer surface, They carry outwardly and downwardly extending mounting tabs 16a upon which suitable elongated fluorescent lights are to be mounted.

Angular channel-like members 17 and 28, one of which is shown in FIGURE 5, are secured to the upper and lower edges of the panels 14. The channel members 17 are provided with grooves 18 and 1-9 in the outwardly facing edges of each channel leg. Each groove 18 is wide enough to receive the outer edge of roof panel 13 and the upper edge of a side panel 16. The panel edges fit within the grooves and may be bolted or riveted in place. Each downwardly opening groove 19 is dimensioned to receive one of the side panels 14. A suitable adhesive, for instance, an epoxy system, may be employed to hold the side panels in place.

The angled channel members 20, are located so that their upwardly extending grooves 21 receive the lower ends of the panels 14.

The ends of the structure are closed in the following manner. As is illustrated in FIGURE 4, the ends of the channels 2t! are mitered as shown at 30. Similarly shaped channels 31, also having mitered ends, are provided at each end of the structure and abut against the adjacent ends of the channels 21), by means of angularly shaped flat plates 32. Plates 32 fit within the: laterally open grooves of channels 20 and 31 at each corner of the structure. The plates 32 are held in place by bolts or O rivets 34 and thereby provide strong structural joints for the frame.

Referring now to FIGURES 2 and 3, angular members 35 are secured along each of the side edges of the panels. A bent over flange 36 extends along the top of each panel 15.

In assembled position, the lower edge 37 of each end panel 15 fits in the upstanding groove of a channel member 31. Flanges 35a of angles 35, ride over the outer surface of panels 14 and the bent over flanges 36 fit over the top of roof panel 13. The end panels are secured in place by screws passing through the legs 35a, the side panels 14 and backing strips 38 which are secured along the inside end edges of panels 14. In addition, flanges 36 on the end panels 15 may be riveted to the roof panels 13.

Another important feature of the invention is the provision of a third box-like structure formed by means including channel 40 which runs lengthwise of the entire canopy. The channel 40 is provided with upwardly extending flanges 41 which engage the underside of the shallow V-shaped roof panel 13. The channel is supported at its mid-point by the upright supports 12 through angularly shaped brackets 42. Rivets 43 secure the beam to the upright supports. The roof panel is secured to the beam by means of a plurality of straps or brackets 44 which are fastened to the beam and to the roof panel by means of bolts or rivets 45. In this manner, the roof and the channel shaped beam 40 form a third rigid box-like structure extending lengthwise of the canopy.

A drain 46 running from the valley of the roof 13, extends downwardly along one of the posts 12. With the V-shaped roof arrangement, most of the rainwater falling on the roof will flow into drain 46, rather than onto attendants and customers passing under the side edges of the canopy.

In summary, three rigid box-like structures are provided, each running lengthwise of the entire canopy structure. The first box-like structure includes a roof panel 13, side panels 14, the angled panels 17, 2t? and 31 and the end panels 15. The roof and end panels are connected to the second box-like structure which additionally includes the V-shaped panel 16. The third box-like structure also includes a portion of the roof panel 13 as well as the channel beam 40. These three structures cooperate to produce a unit which is especially rigid and deflection free.

Due to the strength of the canopy, produced by the box-like structures and by the angle shaped frame structure, side panels 14 may be made of a structurally relatively weak material. In the illustrative embodiment the panels 1 are made of brightly colored poly methyl methacrylate plastic sheets. These panels create an attractive, eyecatching display, especially when the canopy is lighted.

The unit is simple in construction, durable and substantially maintenance free. The multiple box construction prevents appreciable sag or twisting of the canopy even when subjected to high winds or loaded with heavy snow. In practice, canopies formed in accordance with the provisions of this invention have proved to be uniquely suited for gasoline service station use.

I claim:

1. In a canopy assembly, the combination comprising: a first box-like structure including an elongated roof panel, plastic side panels inclining downwardly and outwardly from the lateral edges of said roof panel; a frame for said structure including first elongated channel members seeurely joining said roof and side panels; second elongated channel members extending along the bottom edges of said side panels and secured thereto, and transversely extending end channels connecting the adjacent ends of said channels, a substantially V-shaped panel mounted within said first box-like structure and extending lengthwise thereof, the side edges of said V-shapcd panel being securely joined to said first elongated channel members, columnar support means for said canopy assembly, and a horizontally extending beam mounted on said columnar support means, said beam extending lengthwise of said canopy and being secured to said roof panel.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said beam is a channel member having upwardly extending flanges engaging the underside of said roof, the beam and said roof forming a third box-like structure.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 further including end panels closing the ends of said assembly, the bottom edges of said end panels being connected to said end channel members, and means for interconnecting said panels to said side and roof panels.

4. In a canopy assembly, the combination comprising: a first box-like structure including an elongated roof panel having a shallow V-shaped configuration providing for central collection of water; side panels extending downwardly from the lateral edges of said roof panel; a frame for said roof and side panels including first elongated channel members interconnecting said roof and side panels; second elongated channel members extending along the bottom edges of said side panels; end channel members connecting adjacent ends of said second channel members; an interior panel mounted within said first boxlike structure having a more pronounced V-shaped crosssection than the roof panel, the side edges of said interior panel being connected to said first channel members, said roof and said interior panel forming a second box-like structure; a beam extending lengthwise of said canopy and being secured to said roof panel and upright support means for said beam, and further including a drain leading downwardly from the center of said roof panel.

5. In a canopy assembly, the combination comprising, a first box-like structure including a roof panel and side panels extending downwardly from said roof panel;

a frame for said box-like structure including a first pair of channel members interconnecting said roof and side panels, a second pair of channel members extending along the bottom edge of each of said side panels and a third pair of channels interconnecting the adjacent ends of said second pair of channel members;

a substantially V-shaped panel mounted within said first box-like structure and extending lengthwise thereof, the side edges of said V-shaped panel being connected to said roof panel along the line of interconnection of said roof and side panels, said roof and V-shaped panel forming a second box-like structure;

a channel beam supporting said roof, said beam being located within said second box-like structure and extending lengthwise thereof; said beam further having upwardly extending flanges secured to said roof panel, the roof, said beam and said roof panel forming a third box-like structure;

end panels for closing the ends of said first and second box-like structures; and

columnar support means positioned substantially mid way between the ends of said canopy, said beam being mounted on said support means.

6. *Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said side panels are formed of a translucent plastic material.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said V- shaped panel is provided with a light reflective finish on its outer surface.

8. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said channel members each have a pair of angularly disposed flanges, an elongated, outwardly facing groove in each of said flanges;

one groove of each of the first pair of channel members receiving an edge of the roof and V-shaped panels;

the other groove of each of said first pair of channel members receiving the upper edge of one of said side panels; and

one groove in each channel of said second pair receiving the lower edge of said side panels;

one groove in each channel of said third pair receiving the lower edge of said end panels; and

means securing said panels within said grooves.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8, further including angle corner plates for interconnecting said second and third pairs of channels;

each of said plates fitting within a groove of a channel of said second and third pairs of channel members.

10. In a canopy construction, an elongated roof panel, said roof panel having an upwardly open substantially V-shaped cross-section;

elongated side and end panels extending downwardly from said roof panel;

a rectangular frame including angularly shaped channel members connected to said side and end panels along the bottom edge thereof;

a second upwardly open elongated V-shaped panel of apex angle smaller than that of said roof panel, the side edges of said second V-shaped panel being connected to the first V-shaped panel along the side edges thereof; and

an elongated channel extending lengthwise of the canopy between the roof panel and said second panel, said elongated channel having upwardly extending flanges connected to said V-shaped roof panel, one on each side or the apex thereof.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 8/1938 Roach 52-16 X 4/1953 Cooper 52l6 7/1957 Belbes -e 240-3 5/1958 Phillips 2403 3/1959 Spaulding 5273 X 11/ 1959 Akely 240--3 9/ 1963 Whitesell 5273 X FOREIGN PATENTS 4/1958 Belgium. 10/1960 Canada. 12/ 1961 Great Britain.

FRANK L. ABBOTT, Primary Examiner.

CHARLES G. MUELLER, Assistant Examiner. 

